Above the busy esplanade, a glitzy hotel with views over the Thames estuary and Southend’s iconic pier. Mood lighting and metallic finishes add allure to Aurum bar and restaurant, open all day from breakfast through to fine dining fare in the evening. On sunny days the terrace takes on a jaunty holiday air.

Just outside Ipswich, a country house hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Modern, spacious bedrooms have large beds, luxury toiletries, and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and biscuits. The informal restaurant is open all day for brasserie dishes such as Ingley Dell pork fillet, roasted breast of Sutton Hoo chicken and chargrilled steaks. Overlooking sweeping lawns, a covered terrace is ideal for outdoor dining or afternoon tea.